More local schools fail to meet federal targets on annual tests.

Byline: Cheri Carlson

Aug. 31--Two-thirds of Ventura County school districts raised their student test scores this year, but more schools failed to measure up to progressively tougher federal expectations. Those federal targets are on a steep incline until 2014, when 100 percent of students are expected to test at a proficient level or better in math and English.

The law that sets those targets, however, could be changing. The federal No Child Left Behind Act is four years overdue for reauthorization, and the Obama administration recently announced states will be able to request waivers from the mandates next year. Stan Mantooth, Ventura County superintendent of schools, would go a step further than waivers. "I would ask that a moratorium be placed on it," Mantooth said. "We're making …